As the summer season approaches, the country has decided to take drastic measures to avoid being overwhelmed by tourists.
From lefigaro.fr
Published on 05/02/2023 at 23:04
This content is not accessible to all.
A photo taken on April 20, 2023 in central Rome shows tourists near the Barcaccia fountain. TIZIANA FABI / AFP
The high season is approaching and Italy is afraid of being suffocated. The mass return of visitors would suffocate certain Italian inner cities, according to the daily La Stampa.
Since the end of the pandemic and lockdown, Italy has once again become one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Millions of visitors flock to the towns and communities of “La Botte” and create dangerous situations. According to observers, the resumption of tourism would have been too violent.
This content is not accessible to all.
pedestrian congestion
The splendid panorama of Portofino in Liguria, a small port of 400 inhabitants, is very popular on social networks. A fame that led to the arrival of 7,000 tourists on the spot during the last Easter weekend. The many stops for photos on the streets caused a traffic jam of pedestrians. Faced with this situation, the mayor of the city on the Riviera has decided to take action. An ordinance has been issued banning tourists from “walking” in certain areas or face a 275 euro fine. A measure that inspires other cities shaped by mass tourism. In Venice and Florence it is now forbidden to eat on certain streets and in Rome to sit on the famous steps of the Spanish Steps.
Despite these draconian measures, the Italian government continues to encourage tourism, which accounts for 13% of the country’s GDP.